A LONG WEEKEND IN CHARLESTON

In the ten years since becoming parents, my hubby and I have only ever left our children for a weekend away once – for a dear friend’s wedding in Sea Island, Georgia, two years ago. We had the best time, but ended up missing some of the post-wedding festivities because I wanted to high tail it home to our kiddos, lol. Needless to say, going away without them this past weekend was a huge deal for me, but away we went, to celebrate my husband’s birthday in the Holy City, sans littles, and what an amazing time it was!

Charleston is one of our favorite spots to visit on the East Coast and this past weekend couldn’t have been more perfect; the weather was unseasonably mild, the food incredible and the house and landscape stalking was perfection, as always. As soon as we checked into our hotel, we swapped flip flops for running shoes and headed out. We stayed at the King’s Courtyard Inn, right on King Street, a short walk from the Battery, the Market and all the restaurants. King Street is known for it’s shopping and antique stores, but we chose to head south toward the Battery, instead, to wander all the little residential side streets to see all the homes, landscape architecture and window boxes, overflowing with ferns, flowers and perennials. We clocked so many miles walking this weekend, only stopping to ate ALL THE GOOD FOOD we possibly could. Below are some of our favorite restaurants we enjoyed this weekend, along with what we ordered:

Husk Patio and Bar – we stopped here for a late afternoon snack and a cocktail after walking a few miles the day we arrived. The Steak Tartare and Tuna Ceviche were TO DIE FOR and the outdoor setting was beautiful!

Fleet Landing – one of our favorite, underrated (in my opinion) restaurants; set in a Naval Annex on the water, it’s a super casual atmosphere with a beautiful view of the water. Oysters on the half shell for an appetizer, followed by the catch of the day (hubby) and crab cakes (me). They recently added a raw bar, too!

Poogan’s Smokehouse – A quick lunch stop here for brisket, pulled pork, collard greens and mac and cheese!

82 Queen – One of our absolute favorites – the outdoor restaurant is tucked away from the street and feels like you’re in a bistro somewhere in Europe. She Crab Soup, Fried green tomatoes with grits and homemade pimiento cheese are must-have appetizers, while the jambalaya and barbeque shrimp and grits are TO DIE FOR!

Market Pavilion Rooftop Bar – Directly across from the Customs House on East Bay Street, the Market Pavilion is one of the most beautiful hotels in the city and the rooftop bar is not only just as chic (doors open right to a swimming pool), but has the most incredible view of the city.

Miller’s All Day – Hands down, THE BEST spot for breakfast! Everything on the menu is incredible, but our favorites are the King Street Bowl (eggs, grits, homemade pimiento cheese, sausage gravy and the most amazing fried potatoes) and the Biscuits and Gravy.

Hope you’re all off to a great start this week!